What Are Some Eye Allergy Medications
First, talk with your doctor about developing an allergy treatment plan that addresses nasal, respiratory and eye symptoms.
Over-the-counter and prescription eyedrops and oral medications can also be used to treat eye allergies.
Over-the-counter Oral antihistamines can help relieve itchy eyes, but they may also dry out the eyes. Decongestant eyedrops can help reduce eye redness associated with allergies, but they should not be used for more than three days or they may worsen irritation.
Prescription Antihistamine eyedrops can reduce eye swelling, itching and redness associated with allergies. Antihistamine drops combined with a mast cell stabilizer provide relief for itching, redness and burning sensation and can also prevent symptoms.
For severe eye allergies, you may be prescribed mild corticosteroid drops these should only be used for conjunctivitis caused by allergy, not bacterial infections. Eye allergies cause clear, watery discharges while bacterial infections cause yellow or greenish secretions.
Triggers: What Causes Red Eyes
Red eyes may occur when someone is exposed to their triggers. These triggers may differ from person to person. Pollen, dog and cat dander, dust mites, and mold are just a few potential eye allergy triggers. When a susceptible person is exposed to these allergens, a substance called histamine is released. Histamine and other inflammatory compounds are responsible for itchy eyes, watery eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Eye drops are available that reduce redness. They may or may not contain compounds that act as antihistamines and relieve itching, too. Red eyes that may be mistaken for pink eye are a common symptom of eye allergies.
Why Do My Eyes Water
Before we talk about what can cause your watery eyes, lets understand how your eyes and tears work. Tears are made in the tear glands to help clear stuff out from your eyes and to keep your vision clear. Ideally your tears help protect the front surface of your eyeballs and are just thick enough to clear dirt and particles off your eye. Once tears are produced, they drain into small tubes called the tear ducts towards a temporary storage place called the tear sac. Now that we have a better understanding of this process, lets explore what can cause watery eyes.
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What Can I Do To Address Eye Swelling
Eye puffiness or swelling is a common symptom of allergic conjunctivitis, along with itchy, red eyes, a burning sensation and a clear, watery discharge.
During an allergic reaction, white blood cells attach to protective mast cells in the mucus membranes of the eyes and nasal passages, and fluid builds up. Tiny blood vessels in and around the eyes leak, leading to inflammation and swelling in surrounding tissues and the watery discharge. Rubbing or scratching the eyes only makes it worse and could lead to infection.
Eye swelling often occurs at night. One reason this happens is exposure to allergens in the bedroom primarily dust mites and/or pet dander.
Causes Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
A personâs immune system may be sensitive and react to certain substances such as pollen or molds. These are called allergens and, if they enter the eye, allergic conjunctivitis can result.
The most common causes of allergic conjunctivitis are the following types of allergens:
- Pollens, including grass, tree and other plant pollens
- Molds
- Dust mites
- Animal dander, e.g. pet fur
Less common causes of allergic reactions include contact lenses, makeup, eye drops and other substances used in or near the eyes.
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Have Mandarin Orange Yogurt To Control The Allergy
Combine the power of mandarin orange and yogurt to rid yourself of an eye allergy. A study looked at the effect of this delicious treat on people who suffered seasonal allergic conjunctivitis due to cedar pollen. It was found that itching, redness, and swelling of eyelid was significantly lower in those who had mandarin orange yogurt than in the control group which had plain yogurt. Researchers concluded that the combined effect of protein -lactoglobulin from yogurt and flavonoid nobiletin in mandarin oranges helped suppress the allergic reaction.9
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Eye Allergies
Allergic conjunctivitis is a common allergic problem involving the conjunctiva of the eyes. It is most frequently associated with symptoms of itchy watery eyes often occurring during the allergy seasons. Repeatedly rubbing the eyes perpetuates the itchy feeling and creates a repetitive cycle of infection.
Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal, affecting you based upon changing concentrations of seasonal pollen. Symptoms may also be perennial when exposure to allergens such as dust mites, indoor molds or pet dander is year round. Symptoms may also be episodic, for example after occasional exposure to a pet.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the most common allergic disease involving the eye. Eye allergies can be severe and quite intolerable but not dangerous since they do not cause any permanent damage to the eye. The disease usually is self limiting with avoidance of the allergen. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs more frequently than perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms typically occur in spring and fall depending on your specific sensitivities and the time and extent of pollen exposure.
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What Are Eye Allergies
When a foreign particle or substance such as dust enters your eye, your body naturally releases histamine to protect you. An eye allergy can occur as your immune systems reaction to the presence of the irritant or allergen.
This reaction is also called allergic conjunctivitis, and it can cause eyelid discomfort and swelling. It can also affect the conjunctiva, the tissue layer that covers the front part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids.
You may also experience itching and a persistent urge to rub your eyes. In more serious cases, your eye turns so red and swells so much as it seeks to fight off the allergen that it seems as if it is infected. Such allergies are common, but not everybody has a significant reaction when dust or pollen gets into their eyes. They have a higher level of tolerance, just as some people are more vulnerable.
You may be at risk, too, if you experience nose allergies on exposure to foreign particles inside and outside your home or office environment. The severity of your allergic reaction can vary based on many factors.
While some people experience only lid inflammation, others suffer corneal irritation and scarring. You can minimize your risk of developing eye allergy complications with early management and treatment.
How Are Your Ears Affected
Our ears are made up of three parts the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. Allergic reactions can cause the outer ear to itch or swell. The middle ear contains the Eustachian tube, which acts as a drainage tube of sorts. When mucus clogs the middle ear it affects that drainage. Pressure builds, which can lead to discomfort, popping in the ears or an earache. Your middle ear may itch as well. The inner ear is filled with fluid, and if this fluid becomes infected, you may suffer dizziness, ringing in the ear or loss of balance.
Sometimes a stuffy nose and sinus pressure can radiate to the ears, causing pressure or earaches.
Some people experience a short-term hearing loss due to an allergic reaction. This is known as conductive hearing loss and usually is temporary and resolves itself when the allergies subside.
Young children commonly experience middle ear infections, which may be triggered by allergies. These infections are known as otitis media. If these occur often, a professional may recommend allergy tests.
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Will Allergy Medicine Help
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help take care of multiple symptoms, including any allergic reactions in the ear. Antihistamines and decongestants can reduce the feeling of fullness in the ear.
Other treatments that may help with allergic reactions in the ear include a warm compress, such as a washcloth placed on the ear or prescription eardrops. Pain medication also may help an earache.
If you have an infection, your health care provider can prescribe an antibiotic.
If pressure in the ear doesnt go away or becomes painful, its important to see a hearing care provider right away.
Nasal Allergy Symptom : Sinus Pressure
Your sinuses are small cavities behind your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. If mucus builds up in these areas because of allergies, you may feel pressure or pain.
You can help reduce sinus congestion by applying a moist, warm cloth to your face or inhaling steam a few times each day. You can also try using a saline nasal spray. If you feel sinus pain and pressure for more than a week, call your doctor.
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Conjunctivitis Caused By Irritants
Conjunctivitis can also be caused by irritation from a variety of substances as opposed to an allergic reaction. These include:
- Foreign objects in the eyes
- Cosmetics and soaps
- Chemicals, e.g. household cleaning products, chlorine in swimming pools
- Smoke and fumes
- Dust and dirt
Mild cases of irritant-related conjunctivitis can generally be treated by removing or avoiding the substance, flushing the eyes with water and applying cold compresses and lubricating eye drops to the eyes. However, more serious cases may require specialist medical treatment.
If symptoms are severe or the irritant is a toxic substance, e.g. a household cleaning product, medical attention should be sought urgently.
Can Springtime Allergies Affect Eyesight
Latest NewsAtlanta eye doctor, Atlanta eye surgery, Atlanta ophthalmologist, Atlanta optometrist, common vision problems, Duluth eye surgery, Duluth optometrist, Georgia eye doctor, Georgia eye physician, itchy eyes, red eyes, watery eyes
For many people in Georgia, springtime means allergies. Not only does the skyrocketing pollen count cause sneezing, sniffling, and nasal congestion, but it can also affect the eyes as well, making them itch and burn while leaving them red and watery. A recent study published online in the journal Ophthalmology has also linked high pollen levels to an increased incidence of dry eye, which can cause further burning, irritation and even blurred vision. At Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons, we treat eye problems stemming from many different sources, including those caused by springtime allergies.
Although the allergens that cause allergic conjunctivitis can be both irritating and unsightly, they cannot cause any long term damage to the eyes. However, some of the symptoms associated with eye allergies, such as the reddening of the scelera, or white portion of the eye, may potentially be the result of more serious eye conditions, including infections, glaucoma, or corneal ulcers. If you have noticed persistent symptoms and are unable to pinpoint a cause, a thorough medical eye exam from board certified ophthalmologist Dr. William Segal or comprehensive consultative optometrist Dr. Marc Lay may be necessary to fully evaluate your eye needs.
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What Are Eye Allergy Symptoms
When you have eye allergies, the mast cells lining the conjunctiva release histamine when exposed to allergens and irritants. Those allergens and irritants cause the conjunctiva to swell and symptoms of eye allergies to occur.
Common symptoms include:
- red, irritated, teary and itchy eyes
- burning
Hot, dry weather dries out the eyes and makes eye allergy symptoms worse.
Symptoms Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Generally, allergic conjunctivitis is bilateral, meaning that it affects both eyes. Symptoms tend to develop quickly, and one eye may be more severely affected than the other. Rubbing the eyes may make symptoms worse.
- Pinkness or redness of the eyes
- Burning, intense itching or a sensation of grittiness in the eyes
- Watering of the eyes the discharge is clear
- Swollen eyelids, which are red on the inside
- Slight sensitivity to bright light
- Other symptoms of allergy, e.g. itchy nose, sneezing and scratchy throat
Depending on the cause and type of allergic conjunctivitis, there may be other symptoms and signs. If you think that you may have allergic conjunctivitis, try using the Ada app to find out more about your symptoms.
Pain is not typically a symptom of allergic conjunctivitis. If it does occur, it tends to be mild. Furthermore, a personâs vision is not usually affected. Severe eye pain may indicate another, more serious condition such as glaucoma, and, if present, medical attention should be sought promptly.
If any symptoms affecting the eyes are severe or vision is impaired, it is important to contact a doctor without delay.
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What Is The Prognosis Of Eye Allergies
The prognosis is favorable for most patients with eye allergies. Typically symptoms clear up quickly with OTC/home treatment or when the offending allergen is not present any more. Unfortunately the symptoms may reoccur depending on the cause of the eye allergy. Health complications are very rare, but medical attentions should be sought immediately for any pain or vision loss that occurs or for symptoms that do not resolve within 12 hours.
Eye Allergies: Symptoms Causes And Treatment
If you are one of the millions of Americans with eye allergies, then you know how annoying they can be. While allergies may affect only your eyes, more often nasal allergy symptoms are also present, such as sneezing, a stuffy nose, and respiratory symptoms.
If you are like many allergy sufferers, you treat your nasal and respiratory allergy symptoms and ignore your itchy, red, watery eyes. However, treating your eye symptoms is not impossible.
More than half of all reported cases occur in children, and the majority of people with allergies will have symptoms before the age of 30. However, allergies can develop at any age. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to be the reason why allergies affect some people and not others.
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Why Do You Have An Allergic Reaction
When a foreign substance, such as pollen. causes hypersensitivity, your immune system responds by producing antibodies that release histamine. Histamines cause itching, mucus and sometimes swelling. Allergies can occur year-round, but for many people pollen and grass allergies are more likely to occur in the spring or fall.
Diagnosis Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
When symptoms are mild, a diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis can often be made without seeing a doctor, and the condition can be treated at home. However, if there is any uncertainty or concern over the eye condition or the symptoms are severe, seeing a doctor is very important.
A doctor will take the personâs medical history and ask whether they have any allergies. They will examine the eyes and assess the signs and symptoms present, taking care to rule out acute viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome and other more serious eye conditions, such as uveitis and keratitis.
In most cases, it will not be necessary to perform any special tests. However, in some cases a doctor will order allergy tests, e.g. skin patch tests, to identify allergens and confirm the diagnosis.
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Treatment For This Type
- Reduce contact lens use or discontinue lens use.
- Topical mast cell stabilizers such as cromolyn sodium and dual acting topical ophthalmic medication many be helpful
- Topical corticosteroids are effective in controlling more difficult symptoms
- When symptoms clear up, it may be possible to resume contact lens use if you switch to an alternative lens type along with the use of preventative medication
How Can I Relieve My Eye Allergies
It has been estimated that about 40 percent of the population in the United States have ocular allergy symptoms. Eye allergies frequently occur in conjunction with nasal allergies . Many patients who seek their doctors help regarding their allergies are treated for both nasal and eye symptoms.
Eye allergies can be treated with one of several different medications, or a combination of medications, depending on the type and severity of your symptoms, your age, and overall health. These medications include:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines in the form of eye drops can provide fast relief of symptoms. They are applied to the eyes twice or three times a day. Some people prefer taking antihistamines by mouth. These are usually taken once a day. Antihistamines block the effects of histamines that are produced by the body when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance.
Antihistamines can reduce eye allergy symptoms as well as nasal symptoms, but they often cause drowsiness. It is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking an antihistamine.
Mast cell stabilizers
You will have to take this medicine for a period of time before any beneficial effect becomes apparent. However, the effects last much longer than those of antihistamines, which provide temporary relief of symptoms. Often an antihistamine is taken at the same time as the mast cell stabilizer until the mast cell stabilizers start to work. These agents are often prescribed as eye drops.
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Nosh On Berries To Fight Histamine Release
A flavonoid called quercetin which is present in blueberries, bilberries, and blackberries and which gives them their trademark color can stop your body from producing and releasing histamine. One study even found that when people took a quercetin glycoside 4 weeks before pollen counts became high in the atmosphere, they experienced relief from symptoms such as itching and watering of the eyes caused by cedar pollen.12 So start snacking on yummy berries before pollen season gets here to beat your eye allergy.13
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis Or Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
Pollen is the most common allergen to cause conjunctivitis in countries that have cold winters.
If conjunctivitis results from pollen, there will likely be other symptoms, including sneezing, an itchy, blocked, or runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is also known as hay fever.
It usually happens during the spring and summer months. At this time, plants, and especially grass, trees, and flowers, are in pollen. Some people have symptoms during early fall.
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